The 2020 International Roofing Expo is now seeking presentation topics from educators, consultants, technical experts, researchers, and industry leaders to share their knowledge and business expertise at the largest gathering of roofing professionals.

Sessions are 90 minutes and should contain timely, practical information that can be immediately implemented in the workplace and solve challenges that roofing professionals face in their day-to-day work life.

Product pitches or promotional presentations will not be accepted. The deadline to submit a presentation is April 26, 2019.

FlashCo unveiled its new Edge Program designed for single-ply roofing contractors at the 2019 International Roofing Expo. The Edge Program enables qualified single-ply contractors to contact FlashCo first regarding their accessories needs. By contacting FlashCo directly, roofing contractors can quickly get their questions answered by the flashings fabricator, and provide FlashCo with their accessories list. FlashCo will then contact the contractor’s membrane manufacturer and distributor to make sure the right parts get to the contractor at the right time. The FlashCo Edge Program ensures a smooth and painless process for the contractor, keeping them informed regarding the status of their accessories.

“We are very excited to discuss this program with contractors and we felt like the IRE show would be a good venue to introduce it to the industry,” says FlashCo President, Greg Morrow. “Having done this for the past nineteen years, FlashCo has learned quite a bit about the accessories process. It’s often a forgotten part of the roofing project and as one of the final steps, it’s critical for contractors to be able to finish their job and move on to the next one. However, the process of getting the right accessories can be challenging for contractors and it comes up for both NDL and non-NDL jobs. The process can be slow with multiple steps and trying to communicate custom needs through multiple parties. FlashCo has made its name on speed and we recognized this as another opportunity to quickly get contractors exactly what they need. By talking with us directly, we can eliminate any confusion and get the process rolling right away.”

The Edge Program will initially be available for single-ply, commercial roofing contractors on both NDL and non-NDL jobs. Because FlashCo works with all of the major roofing manufacturers and distributors, FlashCo representatives will handle all of the necessary coordination with the manufacturer and distributor contacts. All FlashCo products will continue to be sold through roofing distributors, but with the Edge Program, contractors have a one stop for their accessories needs from product information to custom design consultation to delivery schedules.

“An important part of the Edge Program is our relationships with the manufacturers and distributors,” says FlashCo Director of Sales, Bill Bartell. “We’ve built great relationships with all of our partners and this program is an enhancement of those connections. By talking directly with the contractor, we can eliminate a lot of back and forth that’s time consuming for everyone. We really want to deliver the industry a streamlined process that makes the accessories easier for everyone. Ultimately, we know our partners want to provide a great experience for their contractors, and the Edge Program is another way in which we can help to deliver that great experience.”

The FlashCo Edge program will be incorporated into each of FlashCo’s five plant locations spread throughout the U.S. enabling representative availability from 8am Eastern to 5pm Pacific. In addition, the five locations allow FlashCo to deliver 90% of orders within three days.

“We’re really pumped up about the chance to talk with contractors about the Edge program during the IRE show,” explains Greg. “Too often we hear about the challenges and frustrations that contractors have trying to get their accessories. We want to eliminate all of that and give them a nice smooth, painless process instead, one that benefits them and also our partners. We’ll be introducing the program at IRE and then rolling it out throughout the industry shortly thereafter.”

The 2019 International Roofing Expo (IRE) trade show floor has completely sold out, topping out at more than 151,800 square feet and more than 500 exhibitors. The also marks the largest show floor in the event’s history, according to show management.

Taking place February 11-13, 2019, at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the International Roofing Expo is the premiere roofing construction and maintenance event where roofing professionals gather to experience face-to-face interaction, product review, education and networking.

“The commitment and involvement from so many leading industry manufacturers and suppliers demonstrates trust in the International Roofing Expo brand and its ability to deliver qualified buyers from every segment of the industry,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, IRE Show Director. “In 2018 the IRE was awarded the TSNN Top 50 Fastest Growing Tradeshows, and this year’s show is even larger than last year”.

The trade show floor is just one aspect of the three-day event. Other highlights include a robust educational conference program consisting of 122 education hours and 44 sessions, a variety of special events, many of which are sold out, show floor education, as well as unlimited networking opportunities and so much more.

Roofing products expert Rick “the Roofer” Taylor is taking the TAMKO national roadshow to some of the building industry’s largest events this year. Attendees will get to meet Rick and gain firsthand product and industry knowledge from his years of experience.

In February, Rick the Roofer and the traveling roadshow will make appearances in the TAMKO booth at both the International Roofing Expo in Nashville, Tennessee and the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We are so excited to have Rick this year for his first official IRE and IBS appearances,” said Stephen McNally, TAMKO vice president of sales and marketing. “Rick will have his custom rig at one show, and an innovative interactive display at the other. Contractors won’t want to miss this.”

Rick the Roofer is a roofing products expert with nearly 50 years of roofing industry experience as a contractor, salesman and trainer, including the past 24 years at TAMKO. He kicked off a nationwide tour in 2018 in his recognizable custom-built truck and trailer. Since last summer, Rick the Roofer has appeared at a variety of public and private industry events providing education, resources and hands-on installation demonstrations for roofing industry professionals.

People are encouraged to connect with Rick the Roofer on social media for the latest information on products, industry news and updates on his upcoming show appearances. Rick can be found on Facebook at Rick the Roofer Taylor, on Twitter, @Rick_theRoofer, and on Instagram, @Rick_theRoofer.

Tradeshow attendees can see Rick the Roofer at TAMKO’s International Roofing Expo booth #2645 February 11-13, and International Builders Show booth #N527 February 19-21.

The Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), proudly announces the winners of the 2018-2019 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards who have been invited to the International Roofing Expo (IRE) where they will be recognizedat the NRCA’s Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception, February 12, 2019, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the 2019 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Nashville, Tennessee.

In its 19th year, the MVP Program honors leadership in the field. Roofing contracting firms nominate any field roofing worker, foreman or superintendent. Distributors and supplier firms may nominate warehouse employees, warehouse foremen, drivers or equipment operators. Individuals can be nominated for their outstanding on-the-job performance and/or workmanship or their philanthropic contributions outside the workplace. Since the program’s inception 19 years ago, 660 employees have been nominated and 242 winners and finalists have been recognized.

2018-2019 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award Winners include:

Bobby Ainsworth – Other Noteworthy Contributions Outside the Work Place

Field worker

Venture Construction Group of Florida, Inc.

Stuart, Fla.

Miguel Lopez – Outstanding On-the-Job Performance and Workmanship

Superintendent

Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing

Houston, Texas

Brandon Reese – Other Noteworthy Contributions Outside the Work Place – Outstanding On-the-Job Performance and Workmanship

During NRCA’s Industry Awards Ceremony, one winner will be chosen as Professional Roofing‘s Best of the Best, an honor co-sponsored by OMG Roofing Products, Agawam, Mass. and Professional Roofingmagazine. “The award recognizes a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award winner who makes extraordinary contributions to the roofing industry and community,” stated Josh Kelly, incoming president of the Roofing Alliance and Vice President of Product Development & Innovation of OMG. “The Roofing Alliance’s MVP Task Force evaluates each MVP award winner and tallies points based on MVP award’s criteria, including on-the-job safety, on-the-job performance, recruiting new workers, community service and other noteworthy contributions to determine the Best of the Best. We are very proud of all the winners and especially the past and future Best of the Best Award winners.”

To learn more about the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards and how to attend NRCA’s Industry Awards Ceremony to see the Best of the Best Award presentation, visit www.roofingalliance.net or contact Bennett Judson, the Roofing Alliance’s executive director, at bjudson@nrca.net.

Roofing professionals participating in the 2019 International Roofing Expo (IRE) are given the opportunity to give back to the Nashville community by participating in Community Service Day, the show’s home repair and revitalization project.

The 10thAnnual Community Service Day will take place on Sunday, February 10, from 7:30 am – 3:00 pm. Volunteers and sponsors will work together to help rebuild the homes of families that are elderly, disabled or financially unable to support the renovation. This year the group will also perform work on a local Boys and Girls Club.

“We are going into our 10thyear of the Community Service Day and I can definitely say that this is my favorite part of my job. I love giving back to others and it’s clear that the Roofing Industry feels the same way. I am proud to be part of this industry. Our homeowners are always so grateful for the assistance they receive. We are very thankful for our supporters who make this day possible” said Brandi McElhaney, Senior Conference Manager.

Skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed to help with the renovations. Skilled volunteers, made up of construction professionals, perform a variety of construction disciplines including roofing, interior/exterior painting, flooring, and minor carpentry. Unskilled volunteers help with set up, cleanup, and other miscellaneous projects. The International Roofing Expo is partnering with Rebuilding Together Nashville, a non-profit, volunteer-based program that repairs and rehabilitates homes and non-profit community facilities.

Community Service Day is made possible by the support of our sponsors. Sika Sarnafil has been the primary sponsor for ten years.

Additional sponsors include:

Safety Equipment: Carlisle Construction Materials

Breakfast: ICP Building Solutions Group

Lunch: OMG Roofing Products

Shuttle: Damato Enterprises

Roofing Labor and Material: Don Kennedy Roofing Co.

Tool Sponsor: Centimark

Participants can register for this event at the same time they register to attend the show. There is a $25 fee that includes transportation, beverages and snacks. Tax-deductible monetary donations can also be made during registration.

The 2019 International Roofing Expo will be held February 11-13, at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee USA, offering roofing contractors of all sizes and specialties a comprehensive preview of the entire roofing construction and maintenance industry.

The Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), proudly announces its 2018-2019 Construction Management Student Competition Finalists. Celebrating its fifth competition, finalist teams will compete on February 12, 2019 at the 2019 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Nashville, Tennessee.

This year’s competition has been the largest to date with 11 teams from distinguished universities across the nation competing for 5 finalist positions. Each team is comprised of four talented undergraduates plus an alternate who are enrolled in the construction management program at their university.

“This has been a unique and encouraging experience, for one who has had a full career in estimating and project management in this industry,” said judge Chris Baxter, V.P., Rackley Roofing Co., Inc. “Hopefully, some of these young people are going to find their own career paths in roofing. Some of them are going to do very well.”

John Geary, Chief Marketing Officer, Nations Roof shares, “I have been so impressed by the poise, knowledge and understanding that these outstanding young women and men have demonstrated in the competition. In a relatively short period of time they have grasped the challenges we have created for them and come up with sound, feasible solutions for real life scenarios.

The roofing industry is in good hands with the next generation of leaders that are coming out of universities today. I trust that they will be well rewarded for their efforts and help us all to reach higher levels of accomplishments in quality, safety and productivity.”

The construction management student competition is designed to test the students on their roofing knowledge, project management capabilities and presentation skills. This year, the teams are tasked with submitting a qualified bid package for installing a new roof system for the Hilton Franklin Cool Springs Hotel in Franklin, Tennessee. Judges reviewed the written proposals, submitted December 10, and selected five teams as finalists for the competition.

The final leg of the competition will take place the morning of February 12th. The five finalist teams will participate in a 15-minute oral presentation at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The purpose of this presentation is for each team to summarize their proposal and provide their construction management strategy for the project. Later that evening, the winning teams and the Best Individual Presenter will be announced at NRCA’s Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception. The first- and second-place teams will be awarded $5,000 and $2,500 in scholarship funds for their schools, respectively.

The oral presentations will be broadcast live via Facebook Live on the Roofing Alliance Facebook page. The Roofing Alliance is encouraging attendees of the International Roofing Expo® to attend the competition and for those who cannot attend to watch via Facebook.

The Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), proudly announces its 2018-2019 Construction Management Student Competition. Celebrating its fifth competition, students will compete on February 12, 2019 at the 2019 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Nashville, Tennessee.

This year’s competition will be the largest to date featuring a total of 12 teams from distinguished universities across the nation. Each team is comprised of four talented undergraduates enrolled in the construction management program at their university. Bennett Judson, executive director of the Roofing Alliance, is excited to see the growing interest from universities that the competition continues to draw. “This is the largest number of schools we’ve had participate,” she said. “And, we have a total of six new teams joining us this year.”

Tuskegee University, Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science, Tuskegee, Alabama

University of Cincinnati, College of Engineering and Applied Science, Construction Management, Cincinnati

University of Florida, M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, Gainesville, Florida

The construction management student competition is designed to test the students on their roofing knowledge, project management capabilities and presentation skills. This year, the teams are tasked with submitting a qualified bid package for installing a new roof system for the Hilton Franklin Cool Springs Hotel in Franklin, Tennessee. Judges will review the written proposals, submitted December 10, and select four teams as finalists for the competition. The Roofing Alliance will announce the finalists in January 2019.

The final leg of the competition will take place the morning of February 12th. The four finalist teams will participate in a 15-minute oral presentation at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The purpose of this presentation is for each team to summarize their proposal and provide their construction management strategy for the project. Later that evening, the winning teams and the Best Individual Presenter will be announced at NRCA’s Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception. The first- and second-place teams will be awarded $5,000 and $2,500 in scholarship funds for their schools, respectively.

Kyle Thomas, co-chair of the Alliance Construction Management Schools Initiative Committee, sees this event as an open door to introduce roofing to a new generation. “We’ve known for years that the students graduating out of these construction management programs often have very limited exposure and education related to roofing,” he explained. “This program provides an opportunity for these students to learn about the many facets of the roofing business. We certainly hope that some of the students become interested enough to pursue a career in the roofing industry. But even for those who go the more traditional route and choose to work for a general contractor, they will have a much better understanding of the roofing portion of the projects that they will be working on.”

Hannah Redifer, a recent graduate from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama who is now employed in the construction industry, participated in last year’s competition where her team won along with Redifer receiving the Best Individual Presenter Award. Her experience exposed her to the inner workings of the roofing industry, presented her with many networking opportunities and made a positive impact in her new career.

“I definitely left the competition and expo with a huge sense of respect for the roofing industry,” stated Redifer. “It is a tough job and the industry’s ability to complete these jobs while keeping people safe and happy is really amazing.”

The conventional wisdom is that when the overall economy is strong, manufacturers feel more comfortable investing their resources in research and development of new products. I don’t have hard numbers to back that assertion up, but in my experience, at least anecdotally, it seems to be borne out. During the Great Recession years of the last decade, the number of new products coming to market seemed to decline. If the array of new products I saw at this year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) in New Orleans is any indication, we could be in for a banner year.

The IRE makes it easy to keep tabs on new developments with its New Product Pavilion. The depth and breadth of offerings in that area was impressive, but I saw products being unveiled all over the show floor. Time will tell if they will turn out be a flash in the pan, a category-changing development, or something in between — but for the Roofing team, it was a very interesting show to cover, as there were a lot of excited responses when we asked, “What’s new?”

Innovative products on display included a pre-weathered fastener from Lakeside Construction Fasteners that matches aged Corten panels, so installation and repairs don’t leave bright silver dots on the rust-colored surface.

Carlisle showcased its Rapid Lock Technology, which uses a Velcro attachment system to secure the company’s EPDM and TPO membranes without using a bonding adhesive, doing away with temperature restrictions.

OMG Roofing Products unveiled its RhinoBond Hand Welder, which can be used to install the company’s induction welding fastening system in hard-to-reach areas, such as spaces below signs, pipes and rooftop equipment.

Georgia-Pacific showed off enhancements to DensDeck Prime that make the cover boards more resistant to water and increase their vertical pull strength.

Roof Sentry announced the launch of a solar-powered roof vent that provides moisture detection and data monitoring services. It can also remove moisture from low-slope roof systems.

On the residential side, new developments included GAF’s shingles with StainGuard Plus, which uses copper granules with time-release technology to fight algae growth.

Tie Down Engineering offered the Ergo Stripper, an ergonomically designed tool for removing shingles that improves leverage and eases strain on the back.

The Roof Umbrella rooftop canopy system is designed to be installed in less than 30 minutes on jobsites to prevent weather delays. It can be customized with the contractor’s logo.

These are just a few of the items that caught our eye at the IRE. We will be showcasing them in this issue and future issues of the magazine as part of our editorial mission to keep readers up to date on new products hitting the market. If you saw a new product you’d like us to be aware of, just email me at chris@roofingmagazine.com.

The International Roofing Expo (IRE), sponsored by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), was held February 6-8, 2018, and the business-to-business expo and conference connected manufacturers and suppliers of roofing products, services, and technologies, with roofing contractors from across the United States and the globe. According to Informa Exhibitions, the 2018 IRE spanned 137,480 net square feet, the largest in the show’s history, and attracted 10,076 roofing professionals from 62 countries. There were 467 companies that exhibited at the event.

“The passion in the industry, our media partners, and show sponsor, the NRCA, really make the IRE a remarkable show,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, Show Director. “It’s a truly collaborative industry and event, giving buyers the opportunity to see new innovations while taking part in a powerful educational program.”

“It was an incredibly successful week in New Orleans, and NRCA couldn’t be prouder to collaborate with such a wonderful group from Informa to produce such a compelling, informative and thriving convention and trade show,” noted Reid Ribble, NRCA’s CEO. “Roofing contractors are enthusiastic and optimistic about the upcoming 2018 roofing season, and it showed by their attendance at this year’s International Roofing Expo.”

At the forefront of the exposition is a conference program developed with insight from an Advisory Panel comprised of exhibitors, attendees, media, and other thought-leaders. The program goes beyond the technical skills contractors need by also including marketing and sales training that are necessary for their businesses. Legal, HR, and recruitment, a hot topic in the industry, were also recurring themes through the three days of education. “This year’s conference program was the most well-attended in the event’s history,” said Brandi McElhaney, Senior Conference Manager. “In comparison to last year, we saw a 7 percent increase.”

Complementing the show’s core conference program, IRE also hosted The Roofing Institute, sponsored by Johns Manville, and the GAF Education Center. Both included technical and business-related topics. Equipter, OMG Roofing Products, and Soprema offered product clinics on the show floor.

The National Women in Roofing (NWIR) held a full day of education, mentorship, and networking on February 4. The NWIR is a platform, through its membership and councils, for women and men, new and established, to find ongoing success working together in the roofing industry. The NWIR held a reception the following day.

Also prior to the show, the IRE worked with more than 65 attendees and sponsors to give back through their annual Community Service Day, held February 5. They adopted and repaired three homes for families unable to do so themselves.
The 2019 IRE will be held February 11-13 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Attendee registration will open in the fall. Those looking to exhibit can contact sales@theroofingexpo.com.

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March/April 2019

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About Roofing

Roofing is a national publication that unravels, investigates and analyzes how to properly design, install and maintain a roof system. Through the voices of professionals in the field, Roofing’s editorial provides a unique perspective.